ABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the effect of endotoxin on rat hepatic mitochondria. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into two groups:endotoxin group and the control. 8 cases of animals were included in each group. The effect of electron leak on the production of endogenous oxygen free radicals and the changes of mitochondria function were studied.RESULTS: Treated with endotoxin, a significant increase in O 2 and the rate of state 3,4 were observed in liver mitochondria; The rate of electron transfer to proton pump of mitochondria respiratory chain complex Ⅱ+Ⅲ( H +/2e -), respiratory control rate and ADP/O decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: A increase in production of endogenous oxygen free radicals induced by endotoxin plays an important role in the injury of rat liver mitochondria.